shimano Zee clutch mech tool

hi, ive set up my gears on my bike which run a shimano zee mech, now the shifting feels pretty stiff even though everything else ive checked is fine, cables are fine, its a new inner cable, nothing is stretched etc, high and low are set, all the gears are how they should be its just the shifter feels really stiff but when i turn the clutch off its not as bad… now i heard u can adjust the clutch, ive opened it up and i can see a screw but what tool do you need that fits this nut to make the adjustments???? cheers!

I just use a set of needle-nose pliers to turn the bolt, it isn’t that stiff (easier when the clutch is off)

Park Tool Clutch Wrench here[/url] , I’m impressed with shimano as the new XT 11sp clutch mech on my Scott has a little rubber bung that you remove and then you can get at the clutch tension mechanism with a small hex key.

As above, just thin nosed pliers!

don’t adjust too far or you’ll just defeat the purpose of
the clutch !

which way is which lol lefty loosey righty tightyy?

pretty much, it won’t need much though, try a half turn

Don’t want to derail the thread, but are there any downsides apart from making it harder to shift by increasing the clutch tension?

The clutch is working on my Zee mech but I feel it could use a little more tension and the shifting feels pretty similar right now weather the clutch is on or off for me.

If you over tighten the clutch it may snap the friction band, a drop of lube onto the cam roller is worth it every now and then , and if too tight it may effect small bump sensitivity on certain fs bikes.

Thanks, I may open mine up just to lube it really, it’s over 2 years old now and never been opened.

Found this video which is good, it shows how you can measure the tension using a torque wrench.

So when I open it I’ll check the tension before adjusting.

EDIT: Suggestion for OP, if you want to check the shifter is ok, try turning the clutch off and see how stiff it feels.

+1 for opening and lubing. great tip.

Opened one of my Zees up after changing chains and thinking that on/off switch felt weaker than I remember… bits of clutch fell out in my hands. I don’t know how long ago it gave up the ghost but it definitely had been working. Haven’t dropped a chain but do run a top guide.

On my other Zee the clutch was making horrible noises when on. I added a bit of grease and it shut up after a ride. I’m not running a top guide on that one so I hope the clutch doesn’t shear off on that one too.

Opened one of my Zees up after changing chains and thinking that on/off switch felt weaker than I remember… bits of clutch fell out in my hands. I don’t know how long ago it gave up the ghost but it definitely had been working. Haven’t dropped a chain but do run a top guide.

If you look at the video link I posted above it shows that Shimano sell spares for the clutch, you may be able to get it going again.

Genuinely curious guys?

The 1x GX mech I have obviously has a clutch and seems to work fine.

Why do Shimano spec an on/off function on theirs?

When removing the rear wheel you are meant to switch the clutch off to aid the mech’s movement.

So similar reason (though approached differently) to the cage lock on the GX to get the cage out of the way, ah right, cheers!

well yea u turn it off to take ur back wheel off but im just worried the clutch is causing the tension in making my gears really stiff even though ive a new inner cable and plenty of cable rooting so its not struggling, just odd :/